Official Amsterdam Light Festival Partner
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruises
Rated 4.8 ★
Why cruise the Amsterdam light festival with us
Official Amsterdam Light Festival Partner
Historic Luxury Saloon Boats
Covered & Heated Boats with Toilet
Rated 4,8 on google and 4,9 on GYG
150+ Boarding Locations Across Amsterdam
Dinner, Drinks & Open Bar Packages
Groups from 2 to 150+ Guests
Free Tailor-Made Proposal Within 24 Hours
Choose Your Amsterdam Light Festival Experience
Private Boats for groups
Build your own experience
- Perfect for corporate events & Team Outings
- Tailored to your needs
- Covered & Heated Historic saloon boats
- 150+ custom boarding locations across Amsterdam
Starting from: €250 p. h. (min 2h)
or click here to view our fleet
Private Cruise Packages
Choose a ready-made package
- Perfect for dinner cruises & Christmas parties
- Including boat rental, crew, drinks and food
- Walking dinner, buffets or just drinks
- min 1.5h cruise
From : €47.50 p.p
or click here to explore all packages
Shared Tickets
Amsterdam Light Festival Tickets
- Perfect for couples & small groups (max 6)
- Official 75 min Amsterdam Light Festival Route
- With English speaking guide Instant online booking
- Three departures every day on shared boat
From €32 p.p
or click here for more information
Trusted by thousands of guests and companies
We especially appreciate the friendliness of the staff and the fact that dogs are allowed.
The price was very reasonable (€18 per person), as children travel free.
We would gladly do it again next time.
Our Amsterdam Light Festival experiences are perfect for:
Exclusive Corporate Events
Festive Christmas parties
Impressive Client Events
Luxury End-of-Year Events
Memorable Family & Friends Gatherings
Romantic date nights
Unforgettable Tour Group Cruises
Elegant Dinner Experiences
What is the Amsterdam Light Festival?
The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms Amsterdam’s historic canals into an open-air gallery of spectacular light art. Every winter, internationally renowned artists create 20+ unique installations that can best be admired from the water.
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a private group event or simply looking for the perfect Amsterdam Light Festival cruise, experiencing the festival by boat offers one of the most memorable ways to discover Amsterdam after dark.
Why Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival from the Water?
The Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise offers one of the most spectacular ways to experience Amsterdam during winter. While the city comes alive with world-famous light artworks, a cruise lets you enjoy the festival in comfort, away from the busy streets.
Why choose an Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise:
- The Best Views
Many of the illuminated artworks are designed to be admired from the canals, giving you the best possible perspective. - Relax in Comfort
Enjoy the festival aboard covered and heated historic saloon boats while cruising through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals. - Perfect for Every Group
Whether you’re looking for Amsterdam Light Festival tickets, a romantic evening or an exclusive Amsterdam Light Festival private cruise, there’s an experience for every occasion. - A Truly Unique Winter Experience
Discover Amsterdam after dark as the canals transform into a magical open-air gallery filled with light, art and unforgettable views.
About the Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival has its roots on the water. In 2009, Rederij de Nederlanden, together with Rederij Prinsengracht were among the creative forces behind the Christmas Canal Parade. Boats were transformed with spectacular light decorations and sailed in a long illuminated procession through Amsterdam’s canals.
“Proud CO-creators of the Festival “
In 2010, the Christmas Canal Parade became part of Winter Magic Amsterdam, an event that brought light to both the water and the city, including the illumination of Amsterdam’s iconic Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug). This sparked a bigger idea: instead of putting all the lights on the boats, why not bring the light art to the canals and quays themselves?
The concept evolved into a more sustainable model in which participating cruise passengers could contribute to the festival, helping fund a foundation that commissions artists to create new light artworks throughout Amsterdam.
In 2012, Felix Guttmann of Canal Company (now Stromma) established the foundation, and the first edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival took place.
What began with boats covered in lights sailing together through the canals evolved into one of Amsterdam’s most distinctive winter events. And more than a decade later, experiencing the Amsterdam Light Festival from a boat brings the story full circle — back to the water where it all began.
Find the Perfect Cruise to Suit You
Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam Light Festival Cruises
When is Amsterdam Light Festival 2026?
Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 starts on 26 November 2026 and runs until 17 January 2027. The artworks are illuminated every day from 16:30 until 23:00.
View all Amsterdam Light Festival dates & opening times →
What is an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?
An Amsterdam Light Festival cruise lets you experience the festival artworks from the water while sailing through Amsterdam after dark. Along the way, you’ll also see illuminated canal houses, bridges, houseboats and famous landmarks.
We offer both shared ticket cruises and private Amsterdam Light Festival cruises.
How long does an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise take?
Our shared cruise takes approximately 75 minutes. During particularly busy evenings, congestion on the canals can add up to approximately 15 minutes to the journey. Private cruises can be booked for different durations.
How much are Amsterdam Light Festival cruise tickets?
Shared Amsterdam Light Festival tickets start from €29 per person. You can choose between different options, including drinks available for purchase, an open bar or an open bar with Prosecco.
View Amsterdam Light Festival Tickets & Prices →
What is included in an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise ticket?
Every shared ticket includes a 75-minute guided cruise and table bites. Drinks depend on your chosen ticket type. All applicable VAT, festival fees and entertainment tax are already included in the displayed ticket price.
What is the Amsterdam Light Festival route?
The Amsterdam Light Festival route is approximately 5 kilometres long and features around 20 light artworks positioned along, beside and above Amsterdam’s waterways.
The route takes you through areas including the Amstel, Plantage and Oosterdok, surrounded by historic canal houses, bridges and other Amsterdam landmarks.
Explore the Amsterdam Light Festival Route →
How many artworks are there at Amsterdam Light Festival 2026?
Edition 15 features around 20 light artworks by Dutch and international artists. This year, artists have been given greater creative freedom, resulting in a diverse collection of installations and ideas.
Can I book a private Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?
Yes. With a private Amsterdam Light Festival cruise, you have your own boat and crew and much more flexibility over your departure time, cruise duration, drinks, catering and boarding location.
Explore Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruises →
Can groups book an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?
Yes. Groups can book seats together on a shared cruise or charter an entire vessel privately. We have historic boats suitable for small, medium and large groups, with catering and drinks available for private bookings.
Discover Amsterdam Light Festival Group Cruises →
Do you offer Amsterdam Light Festival cruises for companies?
Yes. Companies can charter a private boat for team outings, client events, dinners, end-of-year gatherings and Christmas celebrations. Drinks, catering and flexible boarding locations can all be arranged.
Explore Amsterdam Light Festival Corporate Cruises →
Is Amsterdam Light Festival suitable for couples?
Absolutely. Amsterdam after dark, illuminated bridges, historic canal houses and light reflecting across the water make the festival particularly suitable for a date or special evening together.
Choose a shared cruise or charter your own historic saloon boat for two.
Discover Amsterdam Light Festival Romantic Cruises →
Can I take an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise during Christmas?
Yes. The festival continues throughout the Christmas period. Our boats are covered, heated and decorated for the festive season, with winter drinks such as hot glühwein available while stocks last.
Christmas is one of the busiest periods, so we recommend booking well in advance.
Discover Amsterdam Christmas Light Festival Cruises →
What is the best time to take an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?
Around 17:00 is one of the best times to go. The sun has just set, the artworks are illuminated and the canals are generally quieter than later in the evening.
Where do Amsterdam Light Festival cruises depart from?
Our shared ticket cruises depart from Singel 359 in central Amsterdam. Private cruises offer significantly more flexibility, with 150+ boarding locations throughout the city depending on the selected vessel.
Are Amsterdam Light Festival boats covered and heated?
Yes. Our Amsterdam Light Festival boats are covered and heated with regular and infrared heating, making them comfortable during Amsterdam’s winter weather.
Do the Amsterdam Light Festival boats have toilets?
Yes. Our Amsterdam Light Festival boats have toilet facilities on board. Pictures of the toilets can also be found on the individual boat pages.
Are the Amsterdam Light Festival boats electric?
Yes. Our entire fleet is electric, allowing you to cruise quietly through Amsterdam while enjoying the artworks and atmosphere.
Can I have food and drinks during the cruise?
Yes. Our boats have fully stocked bars. Shared cruises include table bites, with different drinks options available. Private cruises can be combined with drinks, bites, buffets, dinner or other catering arrangements.
For private groups of 15 or more, complete all-in arrangements are also available.
Explore Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise Packages →
Does the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise operate when it rains or snows?
Yes. Cruises normally operate during rain, snow and cold weather because our vessels are covered and heated. Cruises are only cancelled when conditions make sailing unsafe.
Should I book an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise in advance?
Yes. Friday and Saturday evenings, the Christmas period and popular departure times can sell out. Booking early gives you the best choice of ticket times and, for private cruises, boats and boarding locations.
Quick Amsterdam light festival links
Amsterdam Light Festival 2026
Amsterdam Light Festival Dates
Amsterdam Light Festival Route
Amsterdam light festival Boats
Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tours
Amsterdam Light Festival Tickets
Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tours
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise Packages
Amsterdam Light Festival Drinks Cruise
Amsterdam Light Festival Buffet cruise
Amsterdam Light Festival Italian Dinner Cruise
Amsterdam Light Festival Dinner Cruise
Amsterdam Light Festival Walking Dinner Cruise
Amsterdam Light Festival Christmas Cruise
Amsterdam Light Festival Corporate Cruise
Amsterdam Light Festival Group Cruise
Amsterdam Light Festival Romantic Cruise
Amsterdam Light Festival Foundation